CAIE A-Level Physics AS 10 D C Circuits Questions

Practise drawing and analysing d.c. circuits, source e.m.f., internal resistance, Kirchhoff networks, potential dividers, potentiometers and sensor outputs.

Exam points

draw and interpret complete d.c. circuit diagrams and use correct component symbols
analyse source e.m.f., terminal p.d. and internal resistance through energy transfer and load behaviour
apply Kirchhoff’s laws and equivalent series/parallel resistance to solve circuit networks
calculate potential-divider outputs and compare p.d.s with potentiometers or null methods
explain sensor-dependent divider outputs using thermistors and LDRs

Covered syllabus points

10.1 Practical circuits 10.2 Kirchhoff’s laws 10.3 Potential dividers

[Maximum number: 1]

Which circuit symbol represents a microphone?

Figure for Question 1 — CAIE A-Level Physics AS — Option A

Figure for Question 1 — CAIE A-Level Physics AS — Option B

Figure for Question 1 — CAIE A-Level Physics AS — Option C

Figure for Question 1 — CAIE A-Level Physics AS — Option D

[Maximum number: 1]

Which description of Kirchhoff's first law is correct?

It considers the currents at a junction in a circuit and is a consequence of the conservation of charge.

It considers the currents at a junction in a circuit and is a consequence of the conservation of energy.

It considers the electromotive forces and potential differences in a circuit loop and is a consequence of the conservation of charge.

It considers the electromotive forces and potential differences in a circuit loop and is a consequence of the conservation of energy.

[Maximum number: 1]

A potential divider consists of two resistors of resistances $R_{1}$ and $R_{2}$ connected in series across a source of potential difference (p.d.) $V_{\text {in }}$ . The p.d. across $R_{1}$ is $V_{\text {out }}$ .

Figure for Question 3 — CAIE A-Level Physics AS

Which changes to $R_{1}$ and $R_{2}$ will increase the value of $V_{\text {out }}$ ?

$R_{1}$

$R_{2}$

doubled

halved

doubled

halved

[Maximum number: 1]

Diagram 1 shows a lamp connected to a supply through two switches.
During repairs, an electrician mistakenly reverses the connections $X_{1}$ and $Z_{1}$ , so that $Z_{1}$ is connected to the supply and $X_{1}$ to the other switch at $Z_{2}$ , as shown in diagram 2 .

Figure for Question 4 — CAIE A-Level Physics AS

diagram 2

Which switch positions will now light the lamp?

$\mathrm{X}_{2}$ to $\mathrm{Y}_{2}$

$\mathrm{X}_{2}$ to $\mathrm{Z}_{2}$

$\mathrm{X}_{2}$ to $\mathrm{Y}_{2}$

$\mathrm{X}_{2}$ to $\mathrm{Z}_{2}$

All question bank results loaded

Covered syllabus points

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4